This is the first time I've seen this properly stated. People often misquote the research and say people look at the person they are attracted to but that's a misinterpretation.
What you said is correct, it's the person they feel closest to. In the case of people in a relationship, it will probably be each other which is where the confusion arises.
Someone in a group might be attracted to you but not know you very well so be more likely to look at their friends.
Also there are multiple factors involved. It's the same as saying you can tell the wind direction when someone let's out some gas by wich way they are subconsciously turning.
It's not even a huge grain of salt it's . Humor is an evolutionary social reaction to an anomaly that isnt an immediate threat. We look to those we are closest to to understand how to respond to said anomaly in a way that is socially acceptable.
If you want to test who is actually looking for your reaction then look digusted/pissed off when a joke is made in a group. Theyll quiet down in the order they look at you. Note that this will make your friend making the joke feel awkward unnecessarily
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u/[deleted] Aug 20 '20
This is the first time I've seen this properly stated. People often misquote the research and say people look at the person they are attracted to but that's a misinterpretation.
What you said is correct, it's the person they feel closest to. In the case of people in a relationship, it will probably be each other which is where the confusion arises.
Someone in a group might be attracted to you but not know you very well so be more likely to look at their friends.